Conditions ripe for international students to return to China

February 23, 2023

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing a decline in the number of international students in China, the country is now experiencing an uptick in enrollment. It is predicted that the numbers will soon reach pre-pandemic levels. Despite the challenges of the past year, those currently studying in China attest to the country’s appeal, particularly with its rich culture, history, innovation, and rapid economic and technological growth.

The cuisine, scenery, and friendliness of the Chinese people have also made a positive impression on international students, who are enthusiastic about fostering a closer relationship between their home countries and China. They express confidence that more international students will come to study in China now that the country has optimized its COVID-19 epidemic control measures.

According to the students, a lack of understanding, knowledge, and awareness can often lead to misunderstandings, biases, or even conflicts. Having international students from different countries in China provides an opportunity to showcase the country to those back home from a genuine perspective, establishing a stronger bridge between different cultures.

As China continues to attract international students, the government has also implemented measures to provide a better experience for these students. One of these initiatives is to simplify the visa application process for international students. This move has made it easier for students to obtain a student visa, and it is hoped that this will encourage more students to come to China.

The government has also been offering scholarships to international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and medical insurance. Such financial aid programs make studying in China more affordable and accessible to a broader range of international students.

International students in China are more than just learners; they serve as unofficial “ambassadors” between China and their own countries, promoting understanding and cultural exchange, according to those who have studied in China.

Hasan Mahady, a 23-year-old undergraduate from Bangladesh at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that China is one of the safest countries in the world, especially considering that Beijing is one of the largest and busiest cities in China with almost no crime.

One of the main attractions for international students is the relatively low cost of studying in China compared to other popular destinations such as the US, Canada, the UK, and European countries. While ensuring a quality education, studying in China is less financially burdensome, Mahady added.

Thanks to government investments in universities and efforts to internationalize the education system, China’s universities are now among the most respected globally. An increasing number of Chinese universities are included in the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings.

While the Chinese language is not the most straightforward language to learn, it is still one of the most widely spoken languages on earth. Mahady stated that it is essential to learn Chinese, as it looks good on resumes and job applications. He added that there are many opportunities in China for those who speak good Chinese.

Minh David Thao Chan, a second-year PhD candidate at Tsinghua University, focuses on information technology and telecommunications.

The experiences of international students in China reveal that the country’s culture, language, and economic potential are major draws for scholars. Yannick Fornacciari, a 30-year-old from France, believes that China’s leadership in technology will continue to attract intellectuals from around the world, as the United States did 30 years ago. He praised the learning opportunities and methodologies available in China, adding that the country has great potential for economic development.

Fornacciari, who studies at Tsinghua University, listed several reasons for his decision to come to China, including an interest in the language and culture, the opportunity to challenge himself, and the prospect of improved financial opportunities after graduation.

Jorge Filio, a 25-year-old Mexican national pursuing a master’s degree in Chinese studies at Peking University’s Yenching Academy, also spoke highly of China’s academic environment. He said the country’s optimized epidemic control measures mean it will once again become a beacon for the best students from the developing world across many disciplines. Filio had his first experience in China in 2017 as part of a summer program at Tsinghua University’s School of Environment, and said that it took less than a month to realize that China was the best place to grow academically and professionally.

Filio said that Mexico is now positioning itself as a manufacturing hub in North America, encouraging the relocation of transnational companies, and offering a chance to reassess the country’s relationship with China. He believes that by identifying industries in which Chinese companies have a technological advantage, Mexican officials could introduce those technologies to the Mexican market.

Phearum Vannaseka is a 21-year-old Cambodian undergraduate studying financial management at Beijing Jiaotong University. She believes that more students from her country will be attracted to study in China as the country optimizes its epidemic control measures. She commented on China’s rapid economic, technological, and educational development, stating that Chinese universities not only teach theories but also conduct experiments. This results in students quickly understanding lessons and becoming enthusiastic in class.

Phearum came to China to study due to the country’s rich diversity and history. She said that there are many things to discover and experience in China, including the country’s remarkable architecture, delectable cuisine, martial arts, and lengthy history of creation. She also mentioned that the Chinese people are genuinely helpful and courteous, and she was pleasantly surprised by their politeness towards foreigners.

Isidore Chitosi, a 23-year-old postgraduate student in civil engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University, is from Malawi. He chose to study civil engineering in China because the country has recently made headlines across the globe for its “skyscraper boom,” and the related buildings are famous for going beyond the boundaries of traditional engineering.

Isidore believes that studying in China offers him an opportunity to develop innovative engineering designs and enhance his skills in various fields. In China, he has the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different parts of the world and engage in academic debates with his classmates, allowing him to gain a more extensive and diverse perspective.

Furthermore, Isidore mentioned that China offers various extracurricular activities to engage in, such as sports, which help him maintain a healthy lifestyle while studying. He also admires Chinese culture and people, describing them as friendly and helpful.

Phearum and Isidore, among other international students, act as unofficial “ambassadors” for China at home, bringing different perspectives and cultural knowledge. As a result, they are bridging the gap between China and their countries, creating a stronger relationship between the cultures. They believe that more students will come to China to study, attracted by the rich culture, friendly people, low cost of education, and the country’s global recognition for quality education.

Isidore Chitosi, a 23-year-old postgraduate student in civil engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University from Malawi, chose to study in China due to the country’s impressive construction projects, particularly its “skyscraper boom”. He also highlighted the role of China in the construction of key infrastructure in Malawi, such as the new parliament building and the Malawi University of Science and Technology.

Chen Shin Ni, a 22-year-old Malaysian student studying pharmaceutical sciences at Tsinghua University, pointed out that the education system in China is good, the living environment is safe, and the cost of living is acceptable. She believes that international students can act as ambassadors for their home countries, sharing their culture and experiences with students from other countries and strengthening relationships between countries.

Motogo Mangue Mariano Mba, a 25-year-old from Equatorial Guinea studying optoelectronic information science and engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University, said he came to China because he grew to love the culture, people, and the convenience and safety of the country. He also thinks more students will come to China due to the country’s unprecedented development and its role in helping the whole world develop.

The students’ experiences in China highlight the country’s progress in education, infrastructure, and economic development, and the potential role of international students as cultural ambassadors and bridges between countries.

Motogo Mangue Mariano Mba, a senior in optoelectronic information science and engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University, believes that learning Mandarin is crucial for anyone who wants to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. He thinks that Mandarin is becoming a language that everyone should learn, just like how everyone should visit China.

According to Motogo, what has impressed him the most about China is the kindness of its people and their ability to make visitors feel welcome. Chinese people are known for their practicality, clarity, and realism, which enable them to respect and appreciate all cultures. They understand the importance of mutual respect between people from different backgrounds, making China a perfect place to study and learn.

As one of the world’s largest information and communications technology markets, China offers significant opportunities for individuals to build a lucrative career and develop the necessary skills for this growing and critical area. Motogo believes that China provides him with the chance to improve his skills and further his development, making him better equipped to contribute to the growth and development of the global economy.

He believes that people will continue to flock to China because it is the future, and there is no better place to be right now if you want to make history. The country has made significant strides in development and is at the forefront of helping the world grow. Therefore, China provides individuals with an exceptional opportunity to experience its vibrant culture, establish connections with people from diverse backgrounds, and gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers.

Overall, international students in China see the country as a challenging but highly rewarding environment for academic and professional growth. With strong government investment in universities and epidemic control measures, the country is poised to attract even more students in the years to come.

In Summary, China is poised to welcome more international students to its shores, with its rich culture, economic development, and optimized epidemic control measures. These students will have an opportunity to learn about China and establish closer ties between their home countries and China, contributing to the development of global education and cultural exchange.

Topic: Conditions ripe for international students to return to China

Subheading: How China’s Culture, Innovation, and Scholarships Attract International Students Amidst the Pandemic

Society

Excerpts: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international students in China decreased, but now the country is seeing an increase in enrollment. Those who are currently studying in China are attracted to the country’s rich culture, history, innovation, and rapid economic and technological growth. They act as “ambassadors” promoting cultural exchange between China and their countries.